Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta), Pungent (Katu)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Sharp (Tikshna)
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Strychnine (1.25-1.5%), Brucine, Loganin, Vomicine, Alkaloids
- Also Known As
- English: Nux-vomica, Poison Nut
Sanskrit: कुपीलु, विषतिन्दुक, काकतिन्दुक, मर्कटतिन्दुक
Hindi: कुचला
What is Nux-vomica?
One of its Sanskrit names is Vishatinduka, "the poison tinduka", and its English name is Poison Nut. Nux-vomica earns both. Ayurveda still counts it as a powerful medicine, but only after a purification process that turns a dangerous seed into a usable one.
Nux-vomica (Kupilu), botanically Strychnos nux-vomica Linn., is known in Hindi as Kuchla and in Sanskrit also as Kakatinduka and Markatatinduka. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes it as a moderate-sized tree of the forests of southern and eastern India, whose seeds are extremely toxic and contain the alkaloid strychnine.
The rule the text sets is absolute: the seeds are never used raw. They must first go through purification (Shodhana), such as boiling in cow's urine and milk, and even then the dose is tiny.
Benefits of Nux-vomica
Everything below refers to purified seed (after Shodhana) given by a physician. Raw nux-vomica has no safe use.
Nerves and Vata Disorders
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu records purified seeds as a powerful medicine for paralysis, facial palsy and Vata disorders, and as a nerve tonic. It lists the herb as alleviating Vata (Vatahara), an action that matches its heating potency (Ushna Virya) and sharp (Tikshna) quality.
The Sharangadhara Samhita includes Kupilu among the substances to be used "methodically" for nerve pain.
Madira (medicated wine), Amritasara (Tinospora cordifolia extract), iron preparations (Lauha), Choda, and Kupilu (Strychnos nux-vomica): these should be used methodically for relieving nerve pain.
Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 11
Appetite and Digestion
The purified seeds are described as improving appetite and digestion, and the herb is listed as an appetiser (Deepana) that kindles digestive fire (Agni). Its bitter and pungent taste drives this action.
Rejuvenation and Weakness
The text lists it as rejuvenative (Rasayana) only after purification, and it is linked on this site to weakness and debility. The bark is described separately as bitter and fever-reducing.
How to Use Nux-vomica
Do not prepare or take nux-vomica yourself. The seeds are extremely toxic, and the lethal dose of strychnine is very small. This table records classical practice for physicians, not home use.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw seed | Never used | Nothing | Never |
| Purified seed (after Shodhana) | Half to one ratti maximum (a ratti is a tiny classical unit) | Paralysis, facial palsy, Vata disorders, nerve tonic | Physician only |
| Churna (powder) of purified seed | Half ratti | As above | Physician only |
Purification involves boiling the seeds in substances such as cow's urine and milk. It is a specialist pharmaceutical process, not a kitchen recipe.
Safety & Side Effects
Nux-vomica is one of the few classical herbs where the safety section matters more than the benefits. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu is blunt: extreme caution is required.
- Toxic seeds: the dry seeds contain 1.25 to 1.5 percent strychnine, plus brucine, loganin and vomicine. The lethal dose of strychnine is very small.
- Never raw: the seeds are used only after purification (Shodhana), and only at a maximum of half to one ratti.
- Physician only: never self-medicate, even with products labelled as purified.
- Pregnancy, nursing and children: avoid completely.
- Heat: hot, sharp and pungent, it can aggravate Pitta.
If anyone swallows nux-vomica seeds or an unknown preparation, seek emergency medical care at once.
Recommended: Start Here
There is no safe home starting point for nux-vomica. If you are drawn to it for nerve problems, weakness or poor digestion, the right first step is an appointment with a qualified Ayurvedic physician, who can decide whether a purified preparation has any place in your care.
If you want to understand the herb first, read it in its classical context. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu, which sets out Kupilu's purification rule and dose limits, is available in English.
Find Bhavaprakash Nighantu on Amazon ↗ Ayurvedic Materia Medica Books ↗
Safety: nux-vomica seeds contain strychnine and are poisonous; never take them yourself, and seek emergency care if anyone swallows them.
Nux-vomica vs Other Herbs & Supplements
| Comparison | Nux-vomica | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw vs purified seed | Raw seed: extremely toxic, never used | Purified seed (after Shodhana): medicine at half to one ratti | Only purified seed has a classical use, and only under a physician |
| Nux-vomica vs Guduchi for nerve pain | Listed for nerve pain in the Sharangadhara Samhita; toxic | Guduchi extract (Amritasara), named in the same verse | Guduchi is the far safer herb from that list |
| Nux-vomica vs Ashwagandha for weakness | Rejuvenative only after purification; poison raw | Ashwagandha, a common strength tonic | For self-care, choose a safe tonic; nux-vomica is physician territory |
Nux-vomica for Specific Populations
Pregnancy & Nursing
Avoid completely. Nux-vomica seeds contain strychnine, and there is no safe use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Children
Never give nux-vomica to children. Keep any preparation out of their reach; accidental swallowing is a medical emergency.
Elderly
Although its classical uses include paralysis and facial palsy, which are more common later in life, the narrow safety margin makes physician supervision essential.
Athletes
Nux-vomica has no place as a training or performance aid. The risk of poisoning far outweighs any benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is nux-vomica poisonous?
Yes. The seeds are extremely toxic and contain 1.25 to 1.5 percent strychnine in the dry seed. Classical texts allow them only after purification and in tiny doses.
What is Shodhana of Kupilu?
Shodhana is Ayurvedic purification. For nux-vomica, the Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes boiling the seeds in substances such as cow's urine and milk before any internal use.
What is nux-vomica used for in Ayurveda?
Purified seeds are used by physicians for paralysis, facial palsy, Vata disorders, nerve pain and poor appetite. The bark is described as bitter and fever-reducing.
What is Kuchla?
Kuchla is the Hindi name for nux-vomica. Its Sanskrit names include Kupilu and Vishatinduka.
How to Use Nux-vomica by Condition
Explore how Nux-vomica is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (1 sources)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
Madira (medicated wine), Amritasara (Tinospora cordifolia extract), iron preparations (Lauha), Choda, and Kupilu (Strychnos nux-vomica) — these should be used methodically for relieving nerve pain.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 11: Neuralgia — Nerve Pain (Snayushula Adhikara)
Madira (medicated wine), Amritasara (Tinospora cordifolia extract), iron preparations (Lauha), Choda, and Kupilu (Strychnos nux-vomica) — these should be used methodically for relieving nerve pain.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 11: Neuralgia — Nerve Pain (Snayushula Adhikara)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 11: Neuralgia — Nerve Pain (Snayushula Adhikara)
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.